But first let’s take a small peek in to the European country’s turbulent history – one that has shaped the culture and lives of its residents for so many years. Bulgaria’s past – one that dates back to the seventh century - is actually surprisingly violent and fairly isolated until the recent past.

This predominantly Orthodox country has long been influenced by the Byzantine culture, and formed part of the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years. It gained independence in the 19th century, and was a satellite for the Soviet Union.

Following the collapse of communism, the country still had to contend with massive political instability and numerous strikes in the early 1990s, where former communist rulers still had plenty of influence. However, reforms and a stable democratic process have brought Bulgaria into the NATO fold. It joined the EU in 2007.

Holiday makers have been arriving in the country since its days behind the Iron curtain, lured here by the Black Sea coast, which covers the eastern border of Bulgaria. The coastline of white and gold sandy beaches stretches for over 378 km, and has become the centre of the tourism boom for a number of years. The region is also an important area for the country’s economy – drawing many tourists and property developers to invest in the area.

Thankfully, the heavy focus on construction along the coastline barely disrupts the stunning beaches and bays along this coast line. However, aside from this popular tourist destination, Bulgaria is also littered with many empty beaches to the North and South, which are simply waiting to be discovered by the independent traveller.

I’ve realized that Bulgaria has a surprising number of other escapes that have so far remained majorly undetected by the tourists who flock to the coast. A network of well-maintained hiking trails and horse-riding routes offer any nature lover and adventurer the perfect way to explore the country’s lush mountains and forested landscapes around the Rila and Pirin Mountains.

Here you will find plenty of endangered wildlife in their natural habitat, including lynx, bears and rare birds.

On a health note, Bulgaria’s landscape is virtually dotted with hydrothermal springs, numbering over a staggering 600 mineral springs, each with varying temperatures. Many of these springs have been known to have a certain healing effect over a number of ailments, and is also very revitalising. Several health resorts are located around many of these mineral springs, who offer visitors with a number of treatments and physical therapy sessions.

Want to visit some of these naturally occurring springs? Simply do a little bit of research beforehand, to determine which spring is best suited for your needs. They have been known to be beneficial to the treatment of everything from bronchial asthma, liver diseases, neurological disorders and diabetes and obesity.

Next on my list of things that any true traveller should experience when exploring this country is a visit to Bulgaria’s Wonderful Bridges. These rock formations in the Rhodope Mountains were formed by the erosive activity of the high-water river that moulded the marble clefts into deep water caves.

It is the ceiling of this cave that whittled up through time and collapsed, allegedly during an earthquake, leaving behind two bridge shaped boulders. Rated as one of Bulgaria’s top National Touristic places, the bridges are impressive structures, the larger one of which is 15 meters at its widest, and is passable under the three arches that shape the bridge.

The smaller one, on the other hand, is not passable, but both bridges have been safeguarded and can be walked over. Surrounding these bridges are magnificent and charming scenery of towering conifer trees.

While I’ve mainly focussed on the more natural wonders of Bulgaria, there’s plenty more to see if you aren’t all that keen on nature. Bulgaria’s many cities have numerous museums, architectural reserves, churches and monasteries – all of which add to the intrigue of this country.

Don’t miss out on the Belogradchik Fortress and rocks, the Boyana Church, the Nesebar Architectural Reserve and Archaeological Museum, The Bachkovo Monastery and the The Seven Altars Monastery in the Balkan Mountains amongst many other special sites.

There’s simply way too much to chronicle about the country into one small little article... I may need to compile a book really... Bulgaria is filled to the brim with natural beauty as well as a charming city life.

It is easy also to see the various residual influences of its turbulent, and not so ancient past, however the people are still incredibly friendly and hospitable. A visit is a must for any traveller worth his salt!!